We're pretty sure we haven't watched an Olympics closing ceremony since 1984, when we were 9 and easily amused, but we're sure as hell watching this year's. NBC Sports executive David Neal told the AP that he'd attended a secret rehearsal of the Zhang Yimou–directed spectacular and that it was entertaining and "unlike any other closing ceremony I've ever seen." The ceremony will utilize another 7,000 performers — none of whom, say officials, were in the totally amazing opening ceremony. Sadly, this means no Lang Lang, but maybe they've got a spot for plucky little bucktoothed Yang Peiyi! Also appearing, from London, site of the 2012 games: Leona Lewis and David Beckham.

Nonetheless, we think these are gonna be awesome, and we're definitely watching Sunday night. (Or on the Internet Sunday morning, when they actually happen.) If the ceremony is as good as we think it'll be, we hope the Democrats and Republicans let Zhang Yimou direct their conventions. Could you imagine? Instead of the stupid balloon drop, Zhang would release 2,008 gold-plated doves, which would form a huge donkey in mid-air before assembling themselves into an electoral map. Then thousands of "volunteers" would sprint across the convention floor to clean up after them.

We're pretty sure we haven't watched an Olympics closing ceremony since 1984, when we were 9 and easily amused, but we're sure as hell watching this year's. NBC Sports executive David Neal told the AP that he'd attended a secret rehearsal of the Zhang Yimou–directed spectacular and that it was entertaining and "unlike any other closing ceremony I've ever seen." The ceremony will utilize another 7,000 performers — none of whom, say officials, were in the totally amazing opening ceremony. Sadly, this means no Lang Lang, but maybe they've got a spot for plucky little bucktoothed Yang Peiyi! Also appearing, from London, site of the 2012 games: Leona Lewis and David Beckham.

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